[REVIEW] The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%

I have always wanted to incorporate acid into my skincare routine but I always hesitate because I fear that it may end up causing skin damage instead of improving it. There are way too many precautions when using it that I thought to myself, is it even worth the plunge? But then, my other self won’t stop nagging: you wouldn’t know unless you try!

It goes without telling that in the end, my guts won, otherwise, I wouldn’t be here talking about acid. Truth be told, The Ordinary Lactic Acid is not the first active that I have tried, it’s my second actually. I bought this because I was looking for a milder alternative since I am a little overwhelmed by its bold sister –The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution but hey, that’s another story!

Claims:

♥ Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid that exfoliates the skin.

♥ This 10% formulation offers mild exfoliation and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepper berry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation.

Contraindications: Lactic Acid should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Review:

Similar to The Ordinary Niacinamide, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is housed in a frosted bottle that comes with a dropper. I have no issues with its packaging, at least until before I’m nearly emptying it. You see, I appreciate that it is hygienic, and the dropper works perfectly fine.

It dispenses just the right amount and the rubber that it comes with is easy to work with. However, the dropper doesn’t touch the bottom of the bottle nor the end of the dropper is thin enough to make the suctioning a lot easier. When I started to hit low level of the bottle, I had a lot of tilting to do. It’s not that bothersome but I feel that it can be improved.

Anyway, I have started using this product late July and as you can see, my bottle is almost empty. Honestly, 30ml of this acid can last you longer than 3 months but I went a little overboard in using this. You know why? BECAUSE I HAD A MAJOR BREAKOUT AND I WAS DESPERATE AND IMPATIENT. I used this every night for a couple of months like a mad girl and applied very generous amount especially on the jaw area, EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% may appear colorless as droplet but it is actually a very pale amber. It is a little viscous but it spreads out fine. This acid smells sweet like a maple syrup and it does feel quite like that too! It feels a little tacky and that feeling doesn’t go away quickly.

I was worried that it would sting but I’m glad that it didn’t. It doesn’t feel itchy or anything uncomfortable on the skin, well, minus the tackiness. Surprisingly, this acid absorbs quite fast, but even so, I give it a 20-30 minute wait time before I proceed with the next step. Sometimes, I apply acid right after cleansing but usually, I use it after the toning.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is a very good product. You can see the results almost immediately. I can attest that this product can work wonders to your skin’s texture overnight and I am not exaggerating. I will keep it short: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is a perfect addition to skincare if you are experiencing rough textured skin or minor bumps.

It can also aide in fading pimple marks. However, I feel that it may not be for people who is currently experiencing breakout. Well, it is stated in the contradictions that it should not be used with compromised skin but I did anyway, because as I’ve said, I was desperate.

Personally, I used this because I thought it would at least aide in preventing/controlling breakouts but it didn’t. My face looked a lot healthier with this product; the surface is really smooth, except of course on the parts where I am breaking out, but then, I would see a new zit coming out every single day and I don’t feel completely happy about it.

While I cannot entirely say that this product caused it, I feel that it somehow made my skin a lot sensitive. I stopped using this and focused on healing first. I stopped pretty much everything on my routine except for cleansing and moisturizing and the breakout stopped. Today, I only use it as a weekly treat and it works out a lot better for me. Needless to say, patience really, is the key.

Overall, I love The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% because it is a very effective product but I would definitely be cautious in using this. I will definitely repurchase this once I am out but there’s no way I am gonna use this every night. I mean, what am I thinking?!

I feel that this product would be best for people who are experiencing dull and bumpy skin but if yours happen to be sensitive, I would suggest to patch test first or maybe you can start with a milder peel –The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%. I also feel that this product may not be for people with really dry skin because it is a drying product.